Think Better Thursday: Stop Apologizing for Having Needs

If “I’m sorry” were an Olympic event, some of us would be gold medalists.

“I’m sorry I’m in your way.”

“I’m sorry for asking.”

“I’m sorry for existing in this general space.”

We apologize like it’s our love language.

Somewhere along the way, many of us picked up the idea that being easygoing makes us lovable — that if we don’t need much, people will stay. So we shrink a little. We say “sorry” instead of “thank you.” We say “it’s fine” instead of “I actually need a minute.”

But here’s the truth: having needs doesn’t make you needy. It makes you human. You’re allowed to take up space, ask for help, and rest without apologizing for it.

When you start thinking better about your needs, something shifts — you begin to show up as your whole self instead of your edited one.

Try This

1. Catch your apologies: Notice how often “I’m sorry” slips out today. Then gently swap it for gratitude: “Thanks for your patience,” or “I appreciate that.”

2. Be curious, not critical: When you catch yourself apologizing for something small, just pause and ask, “What part of me feels like a burden right now?” No judgment — just curiosity.

3. Let peace lead: Give yourself permission to rest, to need, to ask. Healthy relationships make room for both giving and receiving.

Inviting God

Even Jesus had needs. He withdrew to pray, He asked His friends to stay awake with Him, He slept in the middle of a storm (Luke 5:16, Matthew 26:38–39, NIV). Ask God to help you see your needs not as weakness, but as a reminder that you were never meant to do life alone.

Let’s Connect

Leave a comment or reach out to me via the website — let’s talk about how this has sparked your desire for better living. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Fact-Checking Friday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.

If today’s message spoke to you, you’ll love my book My Pocket Counselor — it offers perspective-shifting truth and faith-filled guidance to help you grow emotionally and spiritually, one step at a time.